Practice good posture and move safely with osteoporosis

Dec 14, 2021 | Marie Suszynski, Writer | @mariemayohecs | Comments (13)

 

 

People who have osteoporosis live with a greater risk of injury from movements that involve twisting, lifting, carrying or bending. But needing to be more cautious doesn’t mean that you should stop being active.

You can take steps to increase your safety and protect yourself from fractures and falls. Learning to sit, stand and move using good posture and body mechanics makes it easier to function in your daily routine.

To help improve your posture:

  • Think tall when you stand — Keep your stomach muscles tight and your weight on both of your feet. When standing in one place, put one foot up on a stool or chair rung and periodically switch to the other foot.
  • Carry a small shoulder bag — Or use a bag with wheels if you need to carry heavier things with you.
  • Sit in a straight-back chair with your back supported — When sitting for long periods, occasionally elevate your legs by placing your feet on a footstool or a chair rung. When seated in bucket seats or soft chairs, use a thick rolled-up towel or pillow to support your lower back.

To move safely:

  • Protect your bones when coughing or sneezing — The force of a cough or sneeze can cause you to jerk forward suddenly. Get in the habit of placing one hand on the front of your chest or on your thigh for support when you start to sneeze or cough.
  • Lift and carry objects, even those that are lightweight, with care — Keep your feet about shoulder-width apart and maintain the normal curve of your spine. Place one foot forward, and lower your body down to one knee by bending at the hips and knees, keeping your body weight on the balls of your feet. Be sure to kneel close to the object you’re about to lift. If the object is heavy, lift it first to your bent knee. Grasping the object, rise from the floor by using your leg muscles and gently breathe in while straightening up. Carry the object close to your body at about waist level. If possible, place your forearms under the object. When you turn while carrying an object, pivot your feet. Don’t twist at your waist.

 

Connect with others talking about topics like this in the Aging Well and the Bones, Joints & Muscles groups.

 

Build your knowledge of bone health and learn strategies to avoid fractures with Mayo Clinic on Osteoporosis.

 

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Great information! Thank you!

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Great info! Thanks!

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Good info since I have osteoporosis and arthritis and weigh less than 100 pounds. Thanks!

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Thank you. I appreciate any tips on how to better protect my bones in daily life. Please give us more tips, there are a lot of us out here that love getting all the pointers we can!!

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Thanks for info After I fell my dexascan was 0.3 I knew I injured my l.hip but keeping up with exercise I'm researching bone building any ideas ?

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@lioness

Thanks for info After I fell my dexascan was 0.3 I knew I injured my l.hip but keeping up with exercise I'm researching bone building any ideas ?

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Hi lioness! Oh golly I sure can understand what you’re going through and increasing your bone density is a must! A medical event a couple years ago really skewed my dexascan numbers.

Before chemo I had no issues with bone loss, not even a hint of osteopenia. I was shocked at my Dexa scan one year later!! Totally bypassed that step and launched into osteoporosis!

My transplant doctor suggested a bone building medication. I begged him for a reprieve of one year. If I didn’t increase my bone density after a year, I’d consider the meds. He’s awesome and gave me, 1 year! 😉I think he doubted me but knows I’m determined.

With exercise directed at hip and spine, along with calcium, Vit D3 and magnesium supplements, I reversed my numbers! I posted the exercises in a discussion a few months again. Here’s the link.

https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/638759/

What have you found in your search?

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@loribmt I found increase in those supplements plus Vit K2and Boron I'm on all but Vit k So well add this to what I'm taking plus the food that's high in calcium and magnesium Hope after a year mine will be better also Thanks for reply

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@loribmt I like the silver sneaker exercises will start them tonight 😊

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